Mxsmanic wrote:
He/she even took lessons in how to surrender and hold his/her hands
up so he/she would be more French.


I don't see the connection.

I guess your humor skills are lacking.




Most people though have false notions that it is overly complicated, too
expensive or something that is too dangerous.


It is indeed very expensive, very time-consuming, and involves a tremendous
amount of red tape and many odd conditions. These are the many reasons why
there are not more pilots.

It is no more expensive that other hobbies or activities. It takes
about 70 hours of flight training to get a private pilot certificate.
If one triples that number to add ground school and flight time we get
280 hours total for study and flight time. That does not seem like an
inordinate amount of time to spend over the course of a year -
especially if one were to say, fly 2 hours per weekend and study an hour
per night reading. How much time do you spend sitting at your
computer reading newsgroups and playing games? Most people can fit it
into their schedule. It is a matter of priorities.

As for expense - again, it is a matter of priorities. If one forgoes
new/leased cars and instead takes flying lessons it is quite accessible.



I've never met a pilot who wasn't thrilled to meet other pilots or who
disuaded others about learning to fly. On the contrary - all the
members of this "elitist club" (that you like to call it) usually go out
of their way to introduce others to the joy and fun of flying and will
mentor, give free flights, teach, talk about it or do anything else to
promote this passion of theirs.


Not so. They dislike simulation.

I see no correlation between simulation and real flying. I think your
experience is unique. Perhaps the reluctance of real pilots to welcome
you has little to do with your chosen way to spend time (simming/gaming)
than it is your clear and often rudely stated discussions about how GA
is useless and the pilots of GA aircraft are stupid, ignorant, filthy
rich, macho/testosterone filled babies with huge egos.

Most pilots I have met do not match the view you have of them.